Mix Tank App Now Has Online Version

Chuck ZimmermanApps, Precision Labs

Now you can get the Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App without having to have a smart phone handy. Now you can “get it” from your online computer or tablet! Give it a try.

Precision Laboratories recently announced the release of an online version of its popular, new Mix Tank app for iPhone. Thousands of growers and retailers have already downloaded the app and are using it to prevent costly mixing sequence errors that lead to compatibility problems and nozzle plugging. Now, Precision Laboratories is able to offer the app to anyone with a computer and internet access.

Like the iPhone and iPod touch app, applicators can now choose from over 900 crop protection products from over 16 different manufacturers at www.mixtankapp.com. The Mix Tank app is able to process any combination of products and determine the correct mixing sequence. Users can also share their recommended mixing orders through email, Facebook or Twitter and can request the addition of any crop protection product not currently in the database.

The Mix Tank App is free of charge both online and on the iPhone. The iPhone app also features a series of training videos on proper mixing sequence from the adjuvant experts at Precision Laboratories, which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/mixtankapp.

The first of its kind, the Mix Tank App helps growers get the most out of every tank mix. Users can access the online app from any internet-connected computer at www.mixtankapp.com.

For more information, visit precisionlab.com.

ZimmPoll Suggest Farm Bill Needs Changes

Chuck ZimmermanZimmPoll

Speaking of the farm bill . . . This past week we’ve asked the question, “What is your opinion about the farm bill?” Early in the poll there was not a large gap in response but then things changed and the choice of Needs Overhaul zoomed out in front with 61% choosing it. That’s followed by 31% who said it Needs Minimal Change and then 8% with Leave as is. I guess the bottom line is that something needs to change, eh?

If you missed the first hearings by the Senate Ag Committee you can still watch them:

Food for Thought: The Role, Risks and Challenges for American Agriculture and the Next Farm Bill in Meeting the Demands of a Growing World

Opportunities for Growth: Michigan and the 2012 Farm Bill

Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “Have you ever used your smartphone to scan a QR code?” Well, have you?

And if you have any questions you want to suggest for future ZimmPolls please let us know.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

Researchers Call for “Redesign” of US Agriculture

Cindy ZimmermanFarm Bill, Farmers, Government

As work toward a new Farm Bill officially begins some are calling for a “whole-system redesign” of U.S. agriculture.

A recent report from the National Research Council Committee on Twenty-First Century Systems Agriculture has proposed a new direction for farm policy that would “incorporate innovative agricultural systems such as organic farming, grass-fed and other alternative livestock production systems, mixed crop and livestock systems, and perennial grains…. it would require significant changes in market structures, policy incentives and public funding for agricultural science.”

Increasing use of precision farming techniques is one of the recommendations made by the team, which included agricultural academics as well as farmers, suggesting “both incremental and transformative changes. Incremental changes include adopting two-year crop rotations and employing precision agriculture practices using geospatial technologies that track field variation, classically bred or genetically engineered crops and reduced- or no-tillage practices.”

The Senate agriculture committee started hearings on the 2012 Farm Bill last week. While USDA is not planning to propose a version of the Farm Bill as it has in the past, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recognized the obvious fact that agriculture policy will be affected by budget cuts. “I have no doubts that the next Farm Bill will be smaller than the one agreed to in 2008. In acknowledging that reality, I hope that this Committee will give serious thought to your priorities for American agriculture – your priorities for USDA – and to the values of the American people,” he told the committee.

Today, the first field hearing is being held in the home state of chairwoman Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, featuring agricultural representatives of all sectors, from corn and soybeans to cherries and apples.

Leica Geosystems Announces Updates to Ag Guidance Solutions

Melissa SandfortEquipment, Leica Geosystems

Leica Geosystems announces several updates for a range of Ag guidance products. Compatibility with the SteerDirect hydraulic kit solution continues to grow with another four series of tractors added. Autospray with Direct Section Control for Amazone Amatron+ Controller using the Leica mojo3D has been added to the ever increasing list of compatible controllers. At the same time a new Antenna Bracket and cables will be introduced on the market.

Furthermore a High Flow Kit will be released shortly, which covers vehicles that require a higher hydraulic flow (such as 4WD articulated vehicles).

Some of the above-mentioned are available now; the complete line-up will be available by June 29th.

The Fastest Socket Wrench

Melissa SandfortAgricultural Anthropology

I love organization. I wonder, at times, if I have OCD about cleaning and putting everything back in its place. I have a child who is almost 3 years old and probably thinks I’m no fun when it comes to playing…but I know right where all of his toys are, and every night, the same toys go back in the same box, and get put back in the same trunk in the same place. See a pattern here? I don’t like clutter.

I’d be that way about my husband’s toolbox too, but he’d probably throw a fit. Plus, that’s his domain.

I just find that when I complete this organizational routine, it makes my life easier because I don’t have to search for toys, car keys, tape, socks, cell phone or tools.

This is a 4-way speed wrench, made for two reasons. One, to clean up the toolbox clutter. (Oh, I like it already!) And two, to have four socket sizes at your fingertips to quickly and easily loosen lug nuts. This one was patented in October 1922.

Now we have impact wrenches, but this initial design was perfect for those who wanted an uncluttered toolbox, and liked doing things fast.

Until our next history lesson …

Mother Nature Won’t Have The Last Laugh

Meghan GrebnerAg Leader, Audio, Precision Pays Podcast

Precision.AgWired.com PodcastWhat problem cost growers the most during planting season?  In this edition of the Precision.AgWired.com Podcast, sponsored by Ag Leader Technology, we’ll look at some of the challenges growers have faced this spring after Mother Nature’s temper tantrum and how the technological advancements in modern agriculture can benefit them.

I sat down with Sean Arians, Education Coordinator for Precision Planting, a company based in Tremont, Ill, about the wide variety of tools available to growers today.  One of the great things about today’s farming practices is the availability of these technologies.  Today’s technologies aren’t just for the big guys anymore.  Farmers can now choose their level of investment and can see their return on investment in a shorter period of time.

[wpaudio url=”http://precision.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2011/05/May-PP-Podcast.mp3″ text=”Precision.AgWired.com Podcast”]

You can subscribe to the Precision.AgWired.com Podcast here.

Summer Dealer Training Sessions Benefit Dealers and Customers

Melissa SandfortAg Leader, Insights Weekly

Insights WeeklyAg Leader is excited to provide their dealer network more summer training sessions than ever at the Ag Leader Academy in 2011! Ag Leader Academy will be offering 62 opportunities to attend 11 different courses, beginning June 2 and ending August 12.

Rick Hoeing, Precision Ag Specialist for Jacobi Sales in Seymour, Ind., says these trainings are invaluable for his business, and for his customers.

“Dealer training is essential to building product knowledge in this fast-paced industry. Just a few years ago, we talked about next year’s products and upgrades. Now we are dealing with seasonal, and in some cases, quarterly changes. Dealer training is essential to maintain a good, current working knowledge of the product lineup.”

So what does that mean to you, the customer? It means you have the most dedicated, educated, professional network of Ag Leader dealers who can help you decide which product offering is right for your individual needs, and keep you up-to-date on the latest software and upgrades.

“This is truly a state of the art training facility put together by Ag Leader to demonstrate their commitment to dealer and customer support,” concludes Hoeing.

Click here for complete course descriptions to see what dealers are adding to their precision ag portfolio, and possibly yours, for the coming year. And, many dealers extend what they learn by hosting local training sessions, with coursework that mirrors what they learn at Ag Leader Academy. You should contact your local dealer to find out if training will be available in your area.

Learn more here about Ag Leader’s Blue Delta Dealer network, a group of Ag Leader’s most highly trained dealers in the country.

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Raven Industries Announces New Fleet View Applications

Melissa SandfortRaven

Raven Industries is excited to announce new Fleet View applications on its Slingshot platform which will allow for simple and affordable tracking of all types of machines, assets and support vehicles used for various farming applications. A new Fleet View only version of the Field Hub, coupled with free access to the new Fleet View Basic application on Slingshot, provides a cost efficient and upgradable version of the Field Hub currently used to deliver RTK, File Transfer and Remote Support services.

Fleet View Basic is the online application that gives managers visibility into their fleets at a whole new level, allowing users to track vehicle locations from the home or office — or anywhere with an internet connection. From here users will be able to view a vehicle’s current status, speed, direction of travel, latitude, longitude, wireless signal strength, and even historical maps to track where vehicles have been.

The Fleet View Field Hub, priced at $995, offers upgrade options that include a high performance antenna system for enhanced performance and signal strength as well as a Slingshot RTK upgrade kit for full RTK and Online capabilities. Once the remote upgrade is complete users will be able to utilize the RTK services, data transfer, remote support, API and all of the other capabilities provided by Slingshot. Customers interested in Fleet View, or other Slingshot product offerings, should contact a local Slingshot dealer, call us toll free at (800) 243-5435, or visit www.ravenslingshot.com for more information.

Bertini to Recieve Borlaug CAST Communication Award

Cindy ZimmermanGeneral

She received the World Food Prize in 2003 and this year at the same event Catherine Bertini will receive the prestigious 2011 Borlaug CAST Communication Award from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.

Bertini is best known for her work as Executive Director of World Food Program for the United Nations. She used her 2003 World Food Prize proceeds to start the Catherine Bertini Trust Fund for Girls’ Education at the Friends of the World Food Program, and she has been active with many other development programs including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Humanitarian Forum.

An award presentation will occur at a breakfast co-hosted by CropLife Foundation and CAST as a side event at the World Food Prize Symposium on October 12, 2011, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Borlaug CAST Communication Award honors the legacies of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. Charles A. Black, the first president of CAST. Catherine Bertini continues the tradition of communicating the importance of science and agriculture in a world dependent on safe, affordable food. As she said, we must all “support the needs of poor farmers throughout the developing world.”

Corn Forecast In Doubt

Chuck ZimmermanZimmPoll

Well there is certainly a healthy dose of skepticism shown in our latest ZimmPoll in answer to the question, “Will USDA forecast for record 13.5 billion bushels of corn come true?” An overwhelming majority (61 percent) say NO. Only 30 percent say yes and 9 percent say maybe. In light of the weather we’ve had so far this year I don’t find this surprising at all. Do you?

Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “What is your opinion about the Farm Bill?” The political rhetoric is already heating up. Chime in with your thoughts.

And if you have any questions you want to suggest for future ZimmPolls please let us know.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.